To mark the inauguration of the Koldo Mitxelena Chair at the University of Chicago, the Basque Institute, Instituto Etxepare, Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, and the Division of Humanities at the University of Chicago have organized a series of free, public events throughout the month of April.

Paddy Woodworth, an Irish journalist and expert on Basque issues, will present his work-in-progress, Restoring the Future. He’ll discuss his research with Basque philosopher Daniel Innerarity, director of the Instituto de Gobernanza Democratica and author of The Future and its Enemies: A Defense for Political Hope. The two writers will deliberate on the need for greater civic engagement and why citizens should take political, social, and environmental issues seriously again.